I have a Giro Ionos and a Bell Sweep that I rotate between. Both have gotten a bit stinky. It seems the stink is coming from the pads and the straps. Any suggestions for getting rid of the smell? I tried a mild solution of bleach with water and some Dawn dishwashing soap, but the odor is still there.
How do I get the Stink out of my helmets
Mtn2RoadConvert
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I have a Giro Ionos and a Bell Sweep that I rotate between. Both have gotten a bit stinky. It seems the stink is coming from the pads and the straps. Any suggestions for getting rid of the smell? I tried a mild solution of bleach with water and some Dawn dishwashing soap, but the odor is still there.
It's tough. Prevention by washing frequently is the only real answer. Once the stink gets in all the washing in the world is really just covering up the smell. All you can do is try various detergents. I had some success with Napisan (the stuff that is used for infant diapers).
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I live in an apartment and i sun it by leaving it out on the windows.
if not can always try
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if not can always try
Shampoo. Work in your bathtub. Fill a bucket with water. Wet the helmet. Squirt with shampoo and massage into everything. Dip helmet into the bucket to rinse. I use Head and Shoulders.
Helmet pads are usually removable and sometimes its easier to wash them separately. If you try this, remove the pads and stick them inside a sock. Throw in with your clothes washing.
I always advocate buying spare sets of pads when you purchase a new helmet because they'll be readily available when the helmet is a current model. Pads usually die well before the helmet is at the end of its life but the killer is the inability to find replacement pads.
Helmet pads are usually removable and sometimes its easier to wash them separately. If you try this, remove the pads and stick them inside a sock. Throw in with your clothes washing.
I always advocate buying spare sets of pads when you purchase a new helmet because they'll be readily available when the helmet is a current model. Pads usually die well before the helmet is at the end of its life but the killer is the inability to find replacement pads.
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x2 on getting an extra set or 2 of pads upon purchase. One thing that helps is to immediately rinse your helmet after each ride. It may be too late for the current helmet in question, but for the future...
I also once in a while use the Muc Off brand helmet/boot/glove foam stuff - it's pretty decent and easy.
I also once in a while use the Muc Off brand helmet/boot/glove foam stuff - it's pretty decent and easy.
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Nuke it from orbit.
It's the only way to be sure.
or frequent washes for a while.
It's the only way to be sure.
or frequent washes for a while.
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I do this as well. Don't use heat dry though!
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Wear a Headsweats under your helmet. More comfortable, less sweat in your eyes and washes nicely.
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Thanks for all the suggestions, going to give them a try.
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I just like to use $1 store dish soap and water, and sun dry them. I'd be afraid that putting them in the dishwasher might ruin them or weaken the foam. Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle is also good for cleaning, good for glasses too, but it takes an hour or so for the alcohol smell to fade from helmets. I like using alcohol sprayers to clean the rims too, helps cut brake squeal. Vinegar will make it stinkier. Don't use vinegar on helmets. Yuck.
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Dishwasher is probably the best idea with heat dry setting off.
I read on this forum about a year ago someone bringing his helmet into the shower with him. He'd shampoo his head then put his helmet on and moving it around for 30 to 60 seconds. Says it worked. I've tried it with ok results.
I'll probably try the dishwasher idea next.
I read on this forum about a year ago someone bringing his helmet into the shower with him. He'd shampoo his head then put his helmet on and moving it around for 30 to 60 seconds. Says it worked. I've tried it with ok results.
I'll probably try the dishwasher idea next.
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Soap and water
That said, vinegar does a great job of killing smells and easily rinses out. You could do a vinegar treatment and follow it with soap and water and you would be good to go.
I agree with the soap and water. Set the helmet over a heating vent and run the furnace fan to dry things out.
That said, vinegar does a great job of killing smells and easily rinses out. You could do a vinegar treatment and follow it with soap and water and you would be good to go.
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I take the pads out and soak them in warm water with dish washing detergent, swirling them around a bit, then let air dry. For the straps you pretty much end up getting the whole helmet wet to wash these but I don't think it hurts them. Do it often in the summer or when you sweat a lot. I also wear a cap in the fall winter spring time. Not so much in the summer as it's just too hot then.
If you write to the manufacturer they will probably just send you a new set of pads for free which do wear out.
If you write to the manufacturer they will probably just send you a new set of pads for free which do wear out.
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I'd hesitate to use Clorox or any other bleach. It has a strong odor of its own. Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2 will do an equally good job of killing germs & mildew. I've never tried the dish washer suggestion, but it sounds reasonable & long as you don't use the heated dry cycle. Maybe after washing & drying the helmet try sprinkling the inside heavily with baking soda. Put in in a plastic shopping bag with the opened box of baking soda. Let it sit over night or for a few days if you're not using it. Baking soda absorbs orders very effectively.
The pads would have to be rinsed with water after using Clorox. I mentioned it since it's a very common chemical in household. Hydrogen Peroxide is good too if people have it around.
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I rinse it out and set it in the sun with my shoes. The UV is good for killing bacteria.
Add a soak in water with detergent before sunbaking, if needed.
Sent from my HTC Incredible using TapaTalk.
Add a soak in water with detergent before sunbaking, if needed.
Sent from my HTC Incredible using TapaTalk.
"This helmet has a substantial dollar value attached to it"
anyway, I take my helmet in to the shower and just give it a good rinse with hot water. I find the stick come for the dry sweet, so if I rinse it good it dos a ok job of keeping it from sinking.
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